It’s no secret that we all have to make some sort of living to survive in today’s world. Unfortunately, society often operates as if happiness runs a distant second to survival. Sometimes sacrifice is necessary, but for how long?

“What you do today is important, because you are exchanging a day of your life for it.” ~ unknown

Perhaps, most of us are not at liberty to immediately leave a job that pays the bills. However, if a few of these signs sound familiar to you, it may be time to re-evaluate your current circumstances.

1. You can’t move up

Most people enjoy a sense of accomplishment. Having reached the limits of your job removes that particular incentive. If you are ok with being on a treadmill, then carry on. If the thought of perpetual motion without progress scares you, it’s time to get off.

2. You are grossly underpaid

Being undervalued in any situation is discouraging. When in a position where your compensation is not commensurate with your talents, only one question remains. How much do you value yourself?

3. You have random ailments

Illness is always something that needs to be addressed. However, if there are no explanations for headaches, stomach aches, and fatigue, it’s time to consider a psychological explanation. This is especially true if the symptoms repeatedly appear on Sunday nights and Monday mornings.

4. You find yourself playing dumb

If you are in an environment where you have to downplay your smarts, you are stifling much more than you know. Your intelligence is a gift. No one, not even your employer has the right to suppress your brilliance. Your brainpower is needed elsewhere.

5. Your conversations are gripe sessions

If your dialogue with colleagues consists of non-stop complaining, you’re way overdue for a change. If you enjoy being a part of the “misery loves company” crew, that’s entirely up to you. If you want better for yourself, you have to make the break.

6. You live for the weekends and holidays

If you come back from your days off and count down to your next set of days off, you may need a change. Sure everyone looks forward to a change of pace but work doesn’t have to be your personal part-time torture chamber.

7. Your boss is an a**

There’s no reason any one should be subject to constant berating or condescension. Working under someone who lives to undermine your being eats away at your subconscious. You’re more valuable than that.

8. You feel resentment

If walking through the doors to your place of employment brings up a sense of bitterness, you are setting yourself up. You can carry it with you and spread it to others in and outside of your workplace. More likely, you will carry it internally which can only result in stress related disorders. Remember, that negative energy has to go somewhere.

9. You have threatened to quit time and time again

If you have repeatedly discussed leaving your job AT your job, it’s time to go. Chances are your co-workers are sick of hearing it and you’re probably sick of hearing yourself. It’s obvious you aren’t happy. Why prolong your pain?

10. Your best skills are not utilized

It’s a pity to spend a third of your day not using your strongest skill set. You know what they say: use it or lose it. And by lose it, I mean lose your sense of having any real contribution.

11. You feel the only advantage is “good benefits”

The lure of secured benefits is one that keeps many a person bound to their place of employment. When a job has no other redeeming factors, this is a definite indication that your overall well-being has literally been sold. This is a precarious position to be in and probably the most difficult challenge to overcome.

12. The voices in your head won’t stop (not those voices, the good ones)

We all know when we’re not supposed to be somewhere. It ranges from the subtle sense of feeling uncomfortable to the unmistakable urge to scream at the top of your lungs. Call it what you want but your spirit/intuition/ higher self is dying to be liberated. When you start being true to yourself, the uneasiness will dissipate.

If the average person works an average of 40 hours per week for 40 years, approximately 83,200 hours will have been spent at work. By retirement, you will have worked the equivalent of almost ten continuous years at jobs you hate. Ten years straight of dissatisfaction and unhappiness. Will it be worth it to you?

If your answer is yes, then no problem. Just keep in mind that some people derive joy from their choice of vocation. Don’t you deserve the same?